Montserrat Abbey in Central Catalonia is preparing for Pope Leo XIV’s visit on 10 June, with the sanctuary turned into a temporary open-air venue for what is expected to be a major religious event in Catalonia.
Local reports say the site now has five giant screens, hundreds of chairs, barriers and toilet blocks in place. Around 8,000 pilgrims are expected to attend the pontiff’s arrival and the events he will lead.
The layout stretches from the Mirador dels Apòstols, past the walkway and shops, along the front of the rack railway station to Plaça de l’Abat Oliba, and up the path past the museum to the main squares, ending at the facade’s arches. Welcome banners with Leo XIV’s image and the motto, “Alça la mirada” (Look up), have also been installed.
The Pope is expected to travel part of the route in a small Popemobile and walk the rest. Pilgrims arriving by rack railway or cable car on Wednesday will find Plaça de la Creu prepared for the event, while the squares in front of the monastery facade have been arranged with folding chairs to create a temporary amphitheatre.
The screens are positioned so attendees can follow the liturgy from different points around the site, including the joint Rosary prayer led by Leo XIV. The setup has a recent precedent in the celebration of the Millennium of the Mother of God on 23 April 2025, when the same area hosted an outdoor mass and procession of the Moreneta image.
The visit will also bring major mobility restrictions. Throughout Wednesday, road access will be limited to authorised vehicles, and visitors will only be able to reach the sanctuary by cable car or rack railway, both of which require pre-booking. For more Catalonia news, see News.